The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

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RE/MAX Access Welcomes Frank Ratka III!

RE/MAX Access Welcomes Frank Ratka III

We are proud to announce that Frank Ratka III recently joined RE/MAX Access.

Frank Ratka III joins RE/MAX Access

Frank Ratka III has been a licensed full time real estate agent since 1991 and prior to joining RE/MAX Access worked the last two years for Century 21 Advantage Gold where he was one of the Top Producers in their office.  In addition to his real estate career, Frank is very politically involved locally and at large and currently serves as an Advisory Board Member for District 1201 representing all Trades People within the district and is on the Board of Directors for Olde Richmond Civic Association.

He has also served as the Executive Board Member for SEIU 32BJ for District 1201 School Employee Union for over 3,000 members, served for 6 years on the Board of Directors of a Private Planned Community in the Poconos and 3 years serving as Board President of the Association and its Private Public Utility.

Frank is looking forward to bringing his knowledge and background of working hard for his clients, representing their interests first and making the entire process stress free and enjoyable to RE/MAX Access.

In addition to his commitment to his clients, Frank is dedicated to his wife of 15 years and their 4 year old daughter.  Together they are a Family Team and Ambassadors for the March of Dimes and walk yearly for all babies and especially their team "Team Sarah Jean."

 

We are growing our market share rapidly and are ahead of the curve in technology and innovation and we are proud that Frank chose RE/MAX Access.

Please welcome Frank Ratka III to RE/MAX Access! If you are thinking of buying or selling in the Philadelphia area be sure to contact Frank at 267-228-8497 and via email at FrankRatka2@verizon.net.

Feel free to subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with our latest posts and information on the Philadelphia Real Estate Market.  You can also sign up to receive the Philadelphia Real Estate Blog via email.

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"Most Realtors are not creators..." but we are good at articulating the obvious!

"Most Realtors are not creators..." but we are "good at articulating the obvious".(That was not meant as a compliment but I will take what I can get !)

We have an auto drip email campaign that sends periodic information pertaining to buying Real Estate.  It goes out to Most Realtors are not creators...people who have requested info from us. It is good info. It is meant to be easy to understand and yes, it shines a positive light on our profession as well as offering items of value in the form of information.

I am used to getting email responses back from people thanking me for these useful tips.  I accept their gratitude with a tinge of guilt, knowing the message was not my own creation but a message put together by an anonymous author. But it pleases me that the people who receive these emails were able to glean some good stuff from it.

Well, below is a recent email I received in response to a drip email that reached a consumer.  The drip email was abut FSBO's. I'd like to know your thoughts about his comments and my response. I really liked the way he threw in some positives.... They were not meant as a compliment but I will take what I can get from this guy !

BELOW: I underlined a few of the special comments and compliments since they are a little difficult to see and my comments are in [brackets].

"Hello: Christopher & Stephanie [Starts off friendly]

Your recent writing is a great example of [I get an A for..] professional bias and propaganda. The truth is many good deals are possible [I love good deals, especially deals on shoes!] in the FSBO framework.  Especially, for buyers and sellers that have more expertise than Real Estate Agents. The spirit of the Internet [Spirits are nice and remind me of angels with fluffy white wings!] involves disintermediation , and FSBO is a prime example of this.

Most Real Estate Agents are not creators, have limited knowledge of Architecture and Design Science, so why should an informed party rely only on such service? [Ouch, I knew I should have gotten those advanced degrees in Architecture and Design Science but I was too busy working my rear end off as an Artist, Teacher, and Consultant for brain injured children over the past 22 years. But hey, thanks for the constructive criticism! ]

Your 6% commission is not always warranted  [Which means sometimes 6% is warranted! Yippee. One point for my side!], there are always other options, any informed person will always realize this.

Get real and understand this, besides most of your emails are articulating the obvious (You heard it folks. I am articulate ; ). Although, at least you are not killing trees [That's right. I am no murderer!] with your marketing campaign."

 

My response:

The email  you received was not really created by us personally. Though that may seem like even more propaganda, it is a tool we use to communicate with people when we personally can not. Staying in contact with people is really important to our business and as much as I wish I personally can take the time to write everyone who  enters our website I can not.

Cutting out the middle man is good for those who understand the ins and outs of selling or buying a property. I know that we have seen many people make many very bad decisions in Real Estate transactions because they thought they'd save a little money. But I have also seen FSBO that have had successful transactions.

As far as Realtors not being creators, I strongly disagree with you. Everyone can create. It is a human innate characteristic. How sophisticated the creations depends on a variety of things. Formal training and perhaps a natural gift certainly helps. Real Estate practiceis not the practice architecture or design science. It does require creativity. I think my Chris (Chris Somers) is incredibly creative particularly in his ability to negotiate and problem solve some very difficult transactions..

Real Estate is not a lot of things and maybe should be a lot more. If that is your point, then I agree strongly.

I am sorry if you have taken any insult from the message sent to you. Many people do not understand the process. For those people, I can help them and I believe it is better for them to allow me to assist them, than to fall into the hands of someone dishonest.

Your comments make me feel a bit defensive. I never like having to defend myself. But I will take a stab at it. I work very hard for 6%. I'd love to charge more for some transactions but I never do. I often take less if my client is in need or if they are a repeat client. The choice to alter the commission is also mine to make not just the consumer.

It is very clear that this message is not meant for you. (There is an unsubscribe button on our auto email. I am not sure if you saw that there. A lot of people miss it.) But for some people, our message is taken in the spirit in which it was sent. It was not meant insult you or challenge you.

Though we may or may not see eye to eye on the way we try to communicate with prospective clients, I hope this is not the last time we chat. Maybe we'd find some common ground on other subjects.

Sincerely,

Stephanie

 

Sticks and stones may break my bones but passive aggressive and unwarranted one way discussions will never hurt me. I have not heard back from this person again. I guess he clicked unsubscribe : )

 

So, how would you have responded ?  What are your thoughts ?  Would you have responded at all ?

Feel free to subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with our latest posts and information on the Philadelphia Real Estate Market.  You can also sign up to receive the Philadelphia Real Estate Blog via email.

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Philadelphia Home Sales: Being an Educated Consumer

Homebuyers more realistic not using Rose Colored Glasses

 

In an article by the NY Daily Record on February 26th they highlighted many Northeast Cities who have experienced an increase in home sales from a year ago.

Stephanie Somers with Re/Max Access in Philadelphia shared her thoughts on what she believes has contributed to this growth both in the Northeast and the Philadelphia Real Estate Market.

Read the full article here.

 

 

Photo courtesy of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/calliope/ / CC BY 2.0

If you need assistance in locating a new home or listing your home for sale, please contact The Somers Team today - we look forward to hearing from you and assisting you. 

The Somers Team - Philadelphia Real Estate

 

 

 

TheSomersTeam.com

215-400-2620

Remax Access, Northern Liberties

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If interested in buying or selling properties in Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612.  For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub!  If interested in checking out our new office in Northern Liberties, let us know !

The Somers  Team - Philadelphia Real Estate  

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

Areas of specialty include: Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more! 

Feel free to subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with our latest posts and information on the Philadelphia Real Estate Market.  You can also sign up to receive the Philadelphia Real Estate Blog via email.

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3 bedroom home for sale in Fishtown Philadelphia - Remodeled Home w/ Amazing Natural Light!

3 Bedroom Home for Sale in Fishtown Philadelphia

Call The Somers 215-400-2620, RE/MAX Access, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia

 

2452 Amber Street and 2454 Amber Street

2452 & 2454 Amber Street

 

Beautifully remodeled 3 bedroom w 2 full baths home for sale in Fishtown with so much natural light, you won't believe it!

2454 Amber Street Photo Gallery

Some of the great features of this home include:

  • bamboo floors throughout
  • an open first floor layout
  • large bay windows
  • spacious remodeled kitchen with cherry cabinets, granite counters
  • mudroom that leads to the rear patio.

The 2nd floor has a huge hall bath and 2 large bedrooms. The third floor is the master bedroom suite. Plenty of closet space throughout and a full unfinished basement.

2452 Amber Street Photo Gallery

2452 & 2454 Amber Street

 

Located just off of the Frankford Arts Corridor in the Fishtown/New Kensington neighborhood, this 3 bedroom home for sale in Fishtown has beautiful curb appeal, new replacement windows, central air, and new electric.

We look forward to your visit!

 

Explore more about Life in Fishtown

 

 

The Somers Team - Philadelphia Real Estate

 

 

 

TheSomersTeam.com

215-400-2620

Remax Access, Northern Liberties

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If interested in buying or selling properties in Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612.  For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub!  If interested in checking out our new office in Northern Liberties, let us know !

The Somers  Team - Philadelphia Real Estate  

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

Areas of specialty include: Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more !

Feel free to subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with our latest posts and information on the Philadelphia Real Estate Market.  You can also sign up to receive the Philadelphia Real Estate Blog via email.

The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog  The Somers Team on Facebook  The Somers Team on Twitter  The Somers Team on LinkedIn

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3 bedroom home for sale in Northern Liberties Philadelphia - Magnificent Panoramic View of City Skyline from Roof Deck

3  Bedroom Home for Sale in Northern Liberties Philadelphia

Call The Somers 215-400-2620, RE/MAX Access, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia

1136 Oneil Street

1136 Oneil Street in Northern Liberties - KitchenBeautiful 3 bedroom home for sale in Northern Liberties with magnificent panoramic view of the city skyline from the roof deck.

Completely remodeled interior featuring:

  • hardwood floors
  • granite counter tops in modern kitchen with breakfast bar
  • stainless steel appliances
  • gas range and microwave over the oven
  • an exit to concrete rear yard
  • Partial basement with sump pump and laundry area

On the 2nd floor is the Master bedroom and bath that includes Kohler fixtures, whirlpool tub, high grade ceramic tile and linen closet.

Photo Gallery

1136 Oneil Street in Northern Liberties - Roof Top Deck

The  3rd floor has 2 bedrooms and a hallway pull down staircase leading to the roof deck. The deck features a magnificent view of the city and is made of Trex wood which requires no maintenance.

Additional features of this 3 bedroom home for sale in Northern Liberties include:

  1. 1.  ceiling fans throughout
  2. 2.  central air conditioning
  3. 3.  new wall to wall carpet throughout
  4.      2nd and 3rd floors
  5. 4.  hard wired smoke detectors
  6. 5.  all rooms cable ready.

You will love living in Northern Liberties and this home in walking distance to the Piazza and Johnny Brendas.

This 3 bedroom home for sale in Northern Liberties is a must see

Discover more about Life in Northern Liberties

The Somers Team - Philadelphia Real Estate

TheSomersTeam.com

215-400-2620

Remax Access, Northern Liberties

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If interested in buying or selling properties in Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612.  For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub!  If interested in checking out our new office in Northern Liberties, let us know !

The Somers  Team - Philadelphia Real Estate  

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

Areas of specialty include: Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more !

Feel free to subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with our latest posts and information on the Philadelphia Real Estate Market.  You can also sign up to receive the Philadelphia Real Estate Blog via email.

The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog  The Somers Team on Facebook  The Somers Team on Twitter  The Somers Team on LinkedIn

 Bookmark and Share

2 Bedroom Home in Graduate Hospital, Philadelphia Renovation Project that Allows you to Design the Home you’ve always wanted!

2 Bedroom Home for Sale in Graduate Hospital Philadelphia

Call The Somers 215-400-2620, RE/MAX Access, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia

936 S 23rd Street

Renovation in progress in Graduate Hospital.

Create the home you've always wanted in the neighborhood that offers you the life-style you enjoy.

936 S 23rd StreetThis contemporary 2 bedroom home for sale in Graduate Hospital offers features such as a 1st floor powder room, 2nd floor laundry, central air, and full basement with all new utilities. There is a formal living room and an eat-in kitchen with new stainless appliances, polished granite counters and hardwood flooring throughout.

The basement is full size and unfinished for plenty of storage options. All new replacement windows, new roof and the exterior brick brought to its original natural beauty. Security door and cement patio in the rear.

Photo Gallery

Make your choices (before March 7th) to complete your design:

  • your choice of granite counters
  • kitchen cabinet style
  • backsplash
  • bathroom tile
  • hardwood flooring
  • fixtures

This 2 bedroom home for sale in Graduate Hospital is conveniently located in walking distance to restaurants such as the delicious Side Car Bar and Grille and Divan Turkish Kitchen.

Exceptional location. Completion on or before March 31st.

 

View floor plans and neighborhood photos here. 

The Somers Team - Philadelphia Real Estate

TheSomersTeam.com

215-400-2620

Remax Access, Northern Liberties

Feel free to subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with our latest posts and information on the Philadelphia Real Estate Market.  You can also sign up to receive the Philadelphia Real Estate Blog via email.

The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog  The Somers Team on Facebook  The Somers Team on Twitter  The Somers Team on LinkedIn

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Do Something Different

Do Something Different

Last night Stephanie and I had a lovely dinner in Doylestown at The Vine and Fig Tree Bistro, which is a beautiful little town outside of Philadelphia.  On Dinner in Doylestownthe drive there, I realized I had never had dinner in Doylestown as we typically stay in Philadelphia outside of making it to New Hope once in awhile.  I recalled saying that it was really nice to do something different.  And what a pleasure it was !

I believe it is important to continue to do different things as life is short.  Too often folks get stuck in a rut, of normalcy and patterns, not realizing all the things they are missing out on.  So why not plan that special dinner out now or plan for that vacation ?  Just do it, you will be happy you did.

This also applies to business.  Think about what you could be doing differently that you are not doing now.  Is it Social Media ? Blogging ?  Targeting a specific niche such as single mothers or senior citizens ?   Often times, it starts with your thoughts.   If you find yourself thinking negatively or need to spur some creativity, try something different.  Maybe read some interesting books ?  What inspires you ? Take a drive through that countryside or town you have been thinking about.  Do a yoga class that you have been talking about.  

I will share a secret with you:  You become what you think about.  Your thoughts are the keys to success, thinking about what you can do different today to be more successful tomorrow.  Or more spiritually fulfilled, happier, whatever your goal, it can be accomplished !!

What are you going to do different ?

Feel free to subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with our latest posts and information on the Philadelphia Real Estate Market.  You can also sign up to receive the Philadelphia Real Estate Blog via email.

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Becoming a Certified Social Marketer at The Pyramid Club !

This past week Stephanie and I took the course Social Media Marketing from the Social Media Marketing Institute .  The course was taught by two expert Social Media gurus, Bill Lublin and Kim Wood .  Bill and Kim were fantastic instructors, making the course not only highly informative, but very interactive and fun. 

Hopefully, once we find out that we passed the test, both of us will be Certified Social Marketers !

We highly recommend taking this class as it will help you harness the information that you already have and what you are currently doing to take it to the next level.  And if you are just getting started in Social Media and blogging, then this course will ignite you to move forward.

Below is a video from our meeting room at The Pyramid Club:

 

Feel free to subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with our latest posts and information on the Philadelphia Real Estate Market.  You can also sign up to receive the Philadelphia Real Estate Blog via email.

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3 Bedroom Home for Sale in Point Breeze, Philadelphia Short Sale Brickfront Home w/ Hardwoods Updated Kitchen & Bath

3 Bedroom Home for Sale in Point Breeze Philadelphia

Call The Somers 215-400-2620, RE/MAX Access, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia

 

1416 S 18th Street

1416 S 18th Street Kitchen

 

Short Sale opportunity in Point Breeze, a Philadelphia neighborhood just south of Graduate Hospital.

This 3 bedroom home for sale in Point Breeze offers 1.5 baths, 1,280 sq feet of living space, a spacious 16 foot width, and a 2 story brick front design.

Hardwood floors throughout including the bedrooms, central air, ample size rear yard, nice block.

 

Photo Gallery

 

1416 S 18th Street

 

Enter in through the living room/dining room combination with powder room on the 1st floor.

The eat-in kitchen has ample cabinets and counter space. The basement is unfinished with hot water heater and heating system intact. The Kitchen and baths are updated.  Appliances and copper have been removed.

This 3 bedroom home for sale in Point Breeze is being sold in "as is" condition. Bank approval required. Easy to show.

 

 

The Somers Team - Philadelphia Real Estate

 

 

 

TheSomersTeam.com

215-400-2620

Remax Access, Northern Liberties

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If interested in buying or selling properties in Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612.  For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub!  If interested in checking out our new office in Northern Liberties, let us know !

The Somers  Team - Philadelphia Real Estate  

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

Areas of specialty include: Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more !

Feel free to subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with our latest posts and information on the Philadelphia Real Estate Market.  You can also sign up to receive the Philadelphia Real Estate Blog via email.

The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog  The Somers Team on Facebook  The Somers Team on Twitter  The Somers Team on LinkedIn

 Bookmark and Share

RE/MAX Access Welcomes Alexis Ortiz!

RE/MAX Access Welcomes Alexis Ortiz

We are proud to announce that Alexis Ortiz recently joined RE/MAX Access.

Alexis Ortiz Joins RE/MAX Access of Philadelphia

Alexis Ortiz is a seasoned full time real estate agent and Public Notary with over seven years experience.  In 2003 Alexis joined Nick's Real Estate and within 2 years was the top sales agent and maintained that status for 2 consecutive years.

In 2007, he was offered an opportunity from a New York Broker to open a real estate office in the Philadelphia market, Philadelphia Real Estate Company, and for the past 2 ½ years ran the firm.

Throughout his real estate career, Alexis has learned so much from his beginning days of working with first time home buyers and helping them achieve their ultimate goal of becoming a home owner despite any challenges to running a firm and learning all aspects of the real estate business.

 

Alexis now looks forward to putting all that knowledge and experience to work with Remax Access.  Along with being a dedicated full time real estate agent, Alexis is the proud father of his 7 year old son and is confident that with his sales, his team player approach and his outlook on life that great things will happen.

We are growing our market share rapidly and are ahead of the curve in technology and innovation and we are proud that Alexis chose RE/MAX Access.

Please welcome Alexis to RE/MAX Access! If you are thinking of buying or selling in the Philadelphia area be sure to contact Alexis at aortiz03@comcast.net.

The Somers Team - Philadelphia Real Estate

 

 

 

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If interested in buying or selling properties in Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612.  For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub!  If interested in checking out our new office in Northern Liberties, let us know !

The Somers  Team - Philadelphia Real Estate  

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

Areas of specialty include: Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more !

Feel free to subscribe to our blog to stay up to date with our latest posts and information on the Philadelphia Real Estate Market.  You can also sign up to receive the Philadelphia Real Estate Blog via email.

The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog  The Somers Team on Facebook  The Somers Team on Twitter  The Somers Team on LinkedIn

 Bookmark and Share